“The message has to reach home that Chandigarh is not the city for drunk drivers”, said Shashank Anand, SSP (traffic and security) Chandigarh.

The Chandigarh police have got 50 new alco-sensors/ breath analysers and it will also press for strict punishment to drunk drivers so that it acts as deterrent. (HT Photo)

With the SC’s liquor ban relaxed in the city on August 30, drunk drivers are back on the city roads. Setting a new record for most challans for drunken driving in a single day, the Chandigarh traffic police have booked 157 people, including two women, for drunk driving on Wednesday night. The vehicles were also impounded. This is a huge jump from the previous record challans with April recording 147 challans.

Even on Holi when the hooliganism was at its peak, 90 challans were issued.

On Wednesday, the police has also ramped up its presence. Against the normal number of 7-8 nakas, 13 nakas had been set up with most pubs and bars offering complimentary drinks. Shallan documents have been forwarded to the district courts sector 43, Chandigarh

“The message has to reach home that Chandigarh is not the city for drunk drivers”, said Shashank Anand, SSP (traffic and security) Chandigarh.

“With the relaxation of liquor ban we are apprehending increase in the number of challan of drunk driving,” he added.

The Chandigarh police have got 50 new alco-sensors/ breath analysers and it will also press for strict punishment to drunk drivers so that it acts as deterrent. The Motor Vehicle Act provides for punishment of jail term that may extend up to six months or with fine which may extend to Rs 2,000 or both.

He added, “Chandigarh courts had been handing over punishment of till the rising of the court. There is provision of the same and we are pressing to invoke this punishment rather than just imposing fine.”

Instant nakas to check leak of location

To counter tech-savvy residents who have been using social media platforms --- WhatsApp and Facebook, to dodge drunk driving nakas Chandigarh police to opt for instant nakas for random checking.